Match the following :
Mechanism → Function
Social Audit → Citizen review
Judicial Review → Legal check
Ombudsman → Complaint redress
Which mechanism best suits monitoring local programs?
ASocial Audit.
BJudicial Review
COmbudsman
DZila Parishad
Answer:
A. Social Audit.
Read Explanation:
Mechanisms for Monitoring Programs and Governance
Social Audit: This mechanism empowers citizens to scrutinize government programs and projects. It involves a review of records, site inspections, and public hearings to ensure accountability and transparency. It is particularly effective for monitoring local-level initiatives where community involvement is crucial.
Judicial Review: This is a process where courts examine the legality of actions taken by the legislature and executive branches of government. It ensures that laws and administrative decisions comply with the constitution and existing statutes. Its scope is primarily legal, not operational monitoring of programs.
Ombudsman: An ombudsman is an independent official appointed to investigate complaints against public authorities or government agencies. Their primary role is to address grievances and ensure fair treatment of citizens by the administration. While they can identify systemic issues, they are not typically involved in the day-to-day monitoring of specific local programs.
Why Social Audit is Best for Monitoring Local Programs
Community Participation: Social audits directly involve the beneficiaries and local communities in the oversight process. This ensures that programs are meeting the needs of the people they are intended to serve.
Local Context: Local communities possess intimate knowledge of their specific needs and the ground realities of program implementation. This local expertise is invaluable for effective monitoring.
Accountability at Grassroots Level: Social audits foster accountability among local implementers by bringing their actions under public scrutiny.
Early Detection of Issues: The continuous involvement of citizens helps in identifying problems and inefficiencies in program delivery at an early stage, allowing for timely corrective measures.
Historical Context and Significance
The concept of social audit has roots in community-based monitoring initiatives and gained prominence with movements advocating for transparency and good governance.
In India, Social Audits are mandated under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) as a key mechanism for ensuring accountability and people's participation in its implementation.
The effectiveness of social audits in identifying leakages, corruption, and poor quality of work has been widely recognized.